Introductory Lecture on Kriya Yoga, Bristol UK: 9th October 2026

Kriya Yoga UK is pleased to announce the visit of Yogacharya Ruud Wierdsma to Bristol to teach Kriya Yoga at this event. If you are interested in learning, there will be an introductory lecture on Friday evening and an opportunity to receive initiation and to learn and practise the techniques of Kriya Yoga on Saturday and Sunday.

Kriya Yoga is the ancient and mystical path to self realisation. ‘Kri’ is the work or activity carried out by ‘ya’ the indwelling soul. Yoga is the union of the individual self and Supreme Self. Kriya Yoga leads to the transformation of the physical consciousness into Divine consciousness and is the essence of all yogas taught in the world.

In order to practise Kriya Yoga, one needs to receive initiation which can only be given with the grace and love of the Master through an authorised teacher, during which the body is purified and energised. The initiate may perceive Divine Light, Divine Vibration and Divine Sound in the whole body. There is no book or lesson to learn the Kriya Yoga techniques. Kriya Yoga emanates from beyond the five sense organs.

Registering for the introductory lecture will ensure that you will have a place for initiation on Saturday and Sunday . You will receive further details of initiation once you have registered. Please note that the cost of the initiation is £155 plus donation of £30 per day payable (total £215) on Saturday by card or cash. We would also be grateful if you can complete all the relevant information on the Eventbrite order form for yourself and any others included on your order as this will be used to ensure that your initiation is properly recorded.

Yogacharya Ruud Wierdsma has been initiated into Kriya Yoga by Rajarshi Peter Baba in 1986. He met Gurudev Baba Hariharanandaji in Karar Ashram (Puri) in 1990.

He has been assisting with the maintenance and care of the buildings and grounds as well as with the daily administration of ashram activities in Holland since its opening in 1993. In 1997/1998 he went to Homestead to stay with Gurudev. In 2002 he attended the First Residential Brahmachari Training Course in Balighai, India. In 2023 he was authorized to initiate seekers into Kriya Yoga by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda. Ruud lives with his wife in Sterksel, close to the ashram.

Draft Schedule for the Initiation Weekend Programme (subject to change)

Friday

7:00 to 8:30 pm Introductory Lecture

Saturday

8:30 to 9:00 Registration

9:00 to 1:00 Initiation

1:00 to 2:00 Group Lunch

2:00 to 3:30 Break/Book shop

3:30 to 4:30 Explanation of techniques

4:30 to 5:30 Meditation

Sunday

9:30 to 10:00 Registration

10:00 to 12:00 Questions & Answers, Revision of Techniques & Meditation

12:00 to 1:00 Group Lunch

1:00 to 2:00 Break/Book shop

2:00 to 4:00 Questions & Answers, Teachings & Meditation

We want everyone to fully enjoy our group lunches on Saturday and Sunday. We will be serving an Asian vegetarian meal for all attendees. If you have allergies or specific dietary requirements, kindly bring your own meal and please let us know that you are doing so.

Ubley Parish Hall, The Street, Ubley, BS40 6PN is approximately 30mins from Bristol and Bath (approx 13 miles from each city). Ubley is also 15 mins from Bristol airport.

From Bristol either take the A37 or A38 until the junction with the A368. Take the A368 which will take you to Ubley. Turn into The Street and you will find the Ubley Parish Hall.

From Bath: take the A39 to Marksbury and then take the A368 and continue until you reach Ubley. Turn into The Street and you will find the Ubley Parish Hall.